Quixotic!

I promise, not all my favorite words begin with a Q (see last Wednesday’s post if you’re not sure what I’m talking about).

I saw the film Nebraska last night. Loved it. I laughed, I cried. I experienced every emotion you’re supposed to when you watch a fine film. Afterward, when Mike Geraci asked me what I thought about it, the word Quixotic came to mind (because I’m slightly weird and think that way.)

Quixotic: (sometimes initial capital letter) resembling or befitting Don Quixote. 2. extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable. 3. impulsive ..

So of course, the word comes from the character Don Quixote from Miguel de Cervantes classic work, El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha, or more commonly known as Don Quixote de la Mancha.  We all know the story of Don Quixote. One day he got up, put on some rusty armor, dubbed himself a knight, and set out with his trusty man servant to conquer windmills. Yes, poor Don Quixote was probably crazy, but in his craziness is a sort of weird beauty. A spirit that can’t be conquered. I think that’s one of the reasons I love Man of La Mancha so much 🙂

In Nebraska, the main character, Woody (played brilliantly by Bruce Dern) gets a “certificate” in the mail claiming he’s won a million dollars. He just has to go to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim it. Everyone of course, thinks he’s crazy. Including his younger son (a perfect Sancho!), but because he loves his dad and his own life is kind of blah, the son sets out to take his dad to Nebraska. Laughter and tears ensue. Rent it. You won’t be sorry!